Aromatherapy uses plant extracts (called essential oils) to relieve stress and promote physical healing. These oils may be rubbed into the skin during a massage or inhaled through a vaporizer or bath.
When you smell an aromatherapy oil, it releases molecules into the air that stimulate olfactory cells in your nose. These cells send messages to your brain, which respond by releasing hormones.
Stress relief
Aromatherapy uses essential oils (concentrated extracts of the roots, seeds, barks, stems, leaves or blossoms of a plant) to achieve psychological and physiological benefits. These oils are inhaled or absorbed through the skin. They can help reduce stress, promote sleep and alleviate pain. They also have anti-bacterial properties and can act as a natural deodorant.
Inhalation aromatherapy has been shown to significantly reduce levels of anxiety and depression in hospitalized patients. Most studies use subjective questionnaires to measure changes in mood, but recent research is examining physiological measures such as heart rate and blood pressure.
A key limitation of many clinical studies is the lack of standardization of the aromatherapy products used. Some studies use commercial products such as aromasticks that contain a fixed dose of essential oils, and this can lead to more consistent results. However, these products are not regulated by the FDA and can cause serious allergic reactions in some people. It is also important to note that anosmia can distort the results of aromatherapy, so it is vital that nursing staff have no prior knowledge or expectation about the scent they are inhaling.
Pain relief
Many studies have found that aromatherapy can reduce pain and increase patient satisfaction. This therapy is a safe, noninvasive alternative to prescription drugs. It is also much cheaper than other forms of pain management.
A recent pilot study found that essential oil massages helped ease hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) in people who had suffered stroke. A combination of lavender and peppermint oils helped alleviate the pain and decreased stress levels in these patients. Other studies have found that aromatherapy can decrease the severity of a migraine headache and the pain intensity associated with it.
For pain relief, use a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba oil, and add a few drops of an essential oil known for its analgesic properties. Mix well and apply to the affected area. You can purchase specific pain relief blends or make your own by experimenting with different oils. Some of the best options include eucalyptus, lemon, chamomile, and peppermint.
Sleep improvement
Studies have found that aromatherapy can improve sleep through the inhalation of specific essential oils. The scents help to promote relaxation and calm the mind and body. It is recommended that a diffuser be used in the bedroom 30 minutes before bedtime to help signal to the brain that it is time for sleep.
Research has shown that a combination of lavender, roman chamomile and jasmine essential oil improved total sleep time in a cardiac care unit setting. Another study found that a massage using a carrier oil with roman chamomile and lavender essential oil reduced self-reported anxiety in people living with cancer.
A recent meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials showed that interventions which improved sleep quality had a significant positive effect on composite mental health as well as on seven specific psychological difficulties (see the figure below). This suggests that poor sleep is causally related to the experience of mental health difficulties and that it represents a potentially viable target for intervention.
Anxiety relief
Aromatherapy has been used to reduce levels of stress and anxiety in patients in clinical settings. A recent systematic review of clinical studies has identified 76 trials using inhalation of essential oils via oil infused cotton/patches or room diffusion. Most of the trials were RCTs and the majority were single or double blind. The evaluation methods used included validated questionnaires, heart rate variability, and salivary cortisol.
Essential oils are distilled from the roots, leaves, seeds, or flowers of plants. Some have specific healing properties, while others are used for their scent or sedative effects. Bergamot orange oil, for example, has been shown to help relieve anxiety and depression. It is also known to ease headaches and menstrual cramps. It is often diluted before use to reduce the intensity of these side effects. In addition, this oil can help to alleviate a variety of skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, and boils. It is also an effective natural remedy for colds and flu.
